time management

Waiting in Line: An Opportunity to Practice Patience (and to be perfected)

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Happy New Year to y’all in the blogosphere!  My new year is off to a great start – how about yours?  Thanks for reading; I look forward to another year of growth as we continue to mature and develop with the help of God’s Word.  Be abundantly blessed and stay encouraged! 🙂

Grateful to approach yet another birthday, I found myself at the DMV to renew my driver’s license earlier this month.  Unfortunately, the stereotypes about government offices held true during this visit; it ended up not being the most enjoyable way to spend my day off from work. However, it was necessary since I wanted to remain in good standing with the State.  In light of the fact that neither folding my arms, tapping my toes, rolling my eyes, nor sighing with visible exasperation would change my predicament, I prepared myself mentally for the imminent line.

So I waited outside.  In the cold.  Behind a young pregnant lady…and her icky cigarette smoke blowing into my face.  And I realized that being anxious wouldn’t speed things up one bit.  We finally got inside the door (with the heat) within 5 minutes.  I moved up a slot after the fresh-faced teenager (behind the pregnant lady) discovered she’d have to come back tomorrow.  Because of her place near the back of the line, she wasn’t guaranteed to be seated for the road test by 4:00 p.m. – which of course, was a requirement.  It was 3:15 p.m.  I could tell this was gonna take a while…with the “standing room only” area obviously near capacity, the line inside the building wound its way through several velvet ropes.  This was like hanging around a club I didn’t want to pay a cover charge to enter…

By the time I’d reached the front of the line, I’d served as the Unofficial Southern Welcome Wagon to a nice lady who’d recently moved here from Wisconsin.  If I must pass the time, at least I can be kind to someone, right?  I even held up my mirror for the pregnant lady while she put on eye shadow for her impending “photo opportunity.”  She put more effort into her glam look than I put into my own; I was ready to get outta that cramped place that looked like it was stuck in the 80s!

At 4:05 p.m., a matter-of-fact DMV employee announced to those still in line that there were no guarantees they’d get a terminal for the computer test today (do we see a theme here?)…so I guess it’s “wait at your own risk?”  At least by then, I was out of the dreadful line and seated behind the counter amongst strangers who looked more annoyed than I felt.

Anyhoo, as steady progress was made – hallelujah! – my number was finally called!  I didn’t have to use corrective lenses to pass the sign test…bless the Lord for the wonders of LASIK surgery!  And my hair looked great since my sister had just given me new highlights for my birthday gift.  I’m thinking my picture will look pretty decent for someone who’s been on the planet over 3 decades!  But I’d have to wait to see it since it the official copy had to be mailed to me…yes, more waiting.  I folded the temporary paper I’d have to retain as my proof of certification to operate a motor vehicle and added it to my wallet.  I was glad to be on my way before 5:00 p.m.  It hadn’t been so bad after all. 

Funny how time changes so many things.  I am grateful for another year of life – truly, time is in God’s hands.  Come to think of it, I’m very appreciative for His patience with me.  How are you practicing patience this year?

“I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.

He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.

And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.”

(Psalm 40:1-3)

 

“And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.”

(II Thessalonians 3:5) 

© Copyright 2011 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Appreciating the Beauty of Routine

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So this is maturity, eh?  Let me back up.  To understand the significance of this epiphany, you’d have to know that I grew up as one of those über-creative types who thrived on new, unique, and exciting experiences – always something different.  I thought a person who adhered to a schedule was a boring stick-in-the-mud. Quite frankly, predictability was not appealing to me.  But that was then… 

My dad is retired from a 20-year Air Force career.  I believe he’d have blown a bugle to get us up every morning…if he’d had a bugle (I shudder to think!).  I could set my clock by him – and probably still can – because he’s regimented.  But that routine helps him.  And after I left off living under his roof and went to college, I became aware of how much his routine helped me.  So when I got married, did I walk into a leisurely free-for-all?  To the contrary – my wonderful husband was also an Air Force man with a strong foundation of consistent daily habits.  Sigh…obviously, God’s trying to tell me something, right?  Yeah, it boils down to that inescapable “ingrained discipline is a forced habit that’s good for ya” thing…

Allow me to share my “I could’ve had a V-8!” moment from last week.  I was talking to a co-worker who’d spent a lot of money on a personal fitness trainer a year or two ago, but had recently gained more weight than he wants to carry.  I encouraged him to start walking (a mere 15 minutes) during his break just to get moving.  He nodded and asked genuinely, “What’s your workout routine?”  When I didn’t immediately scoff at him, but instead chirped enthusiastically, “I take classes at the gym during lunchtime because I need to be around other people while I’m exercising!” I knew I’d turned a major corner.  I admit that I actually like knowing what I was gonna do on my gym days!  Conversely, when I get out of routine, I tend to lapse back into old, not-so-healthy habits – and it’s not worth breaking my momentum.  Now, I look forward to my fun fitness classes (and hanging out with the people in them) with joyful anticipation instead of loathsome dread.  “Yeah, I need to start again,” my co-worker agreed.  You go, buddy!  Start again indeed…

Routine helps in our spiritual lives, too.  What spiritual discipline do you commit to work on this week?  Start again indeed!

“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”

(Philippians 1:6)

 “Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”

(I Timothy 6:19)

© Copyright 2010 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Spring Forward: Preparation for Acceleration

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As we approach the warmth and accompanying new growth of budding blossoms that Spring holds, we come face-to-face with this fact: it will cost us an extra hour of sleep.  I’m not so sure I’ve embraced this concept yet.

I guess I’m getting older (ha ha!), because I have been very tired these past few days.  Could be that I’m worn out from all my decluttering activities.  Perhaps I’m just being more productive.  Maybe I need more sleep.  Or a combination of the above.  Whatever the case may be, I’ve decided to start preparing for Daylight Savings Time now by going to bed 30 minutes earlier for a week instead of trying to “cram” sleep the night before.  You’re laughing – but you know you’ve tried it, too!  🙂

I’m starting now so I can greet the new promises encapsulated in Spring mornings with a smile instead of groggy, bleary eye-rubbing.  The word “spring” implies action, movement, and momentum.  Join me in anticipation of the newness of a fresh start…ready – set – go!

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven…”

(Ecclesiastes 3:1)

© Copyright 2010 by Kayren J. Cathcart

The Power of A Deliberate Decision

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I’m experiencing a shift and a realignment – both in the spirit and in the natural.  Today, I realized how very happy I really am.  I awoke on my Saturday at 6:00 a.m. and actually wanted to stay up!  Granted, I didn’t stay up (anyone who knows me is aware of how much I value those few-and-far-between opportunities to sleep late), but the excitement bubbling inside could’ve kept me up.  Instead of watching TV, I worked…I guess that’s what a little motivation will do for you!  I can see how much time (or productivity) unconscious, mindless TV watching has drained from me fulfilling my God-given purpose. 

And eating – that’s changed for me, too.  I used to love eating rich meals with my slim and well-proportioned husband.  While his metabolism burned off whatever touched his lips, calories and fat seemed to obstinately accumulate on my hips (and all sites north and south of that vicinity).  It was a common way I used to fellowship, but now I’ve made some deliberate decisions about where I want to be and what it will take for me (not someone else) to maintain a healthy body and a healthy lifestyle.  I passed up his special Super Bowl baked beans laden with ground beef and sausage.  Instead of feeling deprived, I knew my innards thanked me.  And now when I hear the tinkling of his spoon in the ice cream bowl, I don’t even flinch – to God be the glory!  So this is what it means to make a decision and stick with it, huh?    What a novel concept!

I’m growing in confidence that the decisions I make are good for me, not requiring (as much!) affirmation or validation from others because I’m the one who has to live with my decisions.  I’ll admit that sometimes it helps to have a nudge in the right direction from a supportive friend.  Yet, I can’t get caught up in the comfort of company or companionship.  Some paths are meant to be traveled in solitude and reflection.  Like the journey of becoming. 

After having lived to utterly please others for so long, this is indeed a new way of traveling.  I feel lighter already.  Bye-bye excess baggage…I see a place for you to be unloaded.

“Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

(Hebrews 12:1-2)

© Copyright 2010 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Residual Heat

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“So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” 

(Revelation 3:16)

Have you ever thought you were finished curling your hair, only to look in the mirror and see one set of strands you missed?  So you grab the curling iron you turned off 3 minutes ago, and try to use the “heat that’s left in it” to get that last curl to look like all the rest of them?  (Am I the only who’s ever done this???  I know I’m not!). 

That’s how I felt this morning.  I couldn’t get started.  I snoozed several times too many.  Getting up late made me rush my toddlers – and you KNOW toddlers don’t rush getting ready unless they FEEL like it, which is rare with morning preparation routines.  I should’ve laid their clothes out the night before, but I convinced myself, “Oh, I know where the shirt is in the drawer that I want to put on her.”  I was impressed that my son had selected his outfit last night, so that was squared away.  To my chagrin, this morning he had a fashion revelation and decided that last night’s selection just wouldn’t do for today.  I was exasperated.  But you know what?  It was my own doing.  Had I taken a few steps to prepare last night (though I’d convinced myself I was “just too tired,” I could’ve left the house earlier, avoided some rush hour traffic, and had a better start for my day.

© Copyright 2007 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Time for a Tune Up!

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If anyone had told me a couple of years ago that I could be on time for work, I would’ve laughed.  Yet, when I changed my mindset and accepted responsibility for the PRIVILEGE (not a right, especially not in this economy) of having a job and being given stewardship by God of that job, it took on a new meaning.  It wasn’t just about “being on time,” it became a matter of showing true gratitude to God for His goodness and mercy, and wanting to set an example that would cause others to take notice, evidence of my special relationship with Christ and my desire to please Him.

I must admit that I wrote this last year and am CONVICTED to pull it out and see that I have slipped from steadfastness into complacency once again.  But “thanks be to God who always causes us to triumph…” (II Corinthians 2:14).  When we repent and make a sincere commitment to change and improve, He dispenses the grace, resources, and support to make it manifest.

If you’re the kind of person whose attitude says “it doesn’t start until I arrive,” I encourage you to reconsider your position.  I used to think, “As long as I make up the time, it’s okay.”  However, what strength is added to my testimony when people see that I’m where I’m supposed to be when I’m supposed to be there, in place and ready to serve. 

Give your perspective on your own time management a tune-up…you may find some unexpected blessings are waiting for YOU!

One thing you can’t recycle is wasted time.

© Copyright 2006 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Whose Time Is It Anyway?

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If anyone had told me I could be on time for work, I would’ve laughed.  Yet, when I changed my mindset and accepted responsibility for the PRIVILEGE (not a right, especially not in this economy) of having a job and being given stewardship by God of that job, it took on a new meaning.  It wasn’t just about “being on time,” it became a matter of showing true gratitude to God for His goodness and mercy, and wanting to set an example that would cause others to take notice, evidence of my special relationship with Christ and my desire to please Him.

If you’re the kind of person whose attitude says “it doesn’t start until I arrive,” reconsider your position.  I used to think, “As long as I make up the time, it’s okay.”  However, what a strength to my testimony when people see that I’m where I’m supposed to be when I’m supposed to be there, in place and ready to serve.  Try it – you may find some unexpected blessings are waiting for YOU!

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:”

(Ecclesiastes 3:1)

© Copyright 2005 by Kayren J. Cathcart